Nigerian music executive Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has spoken publicly about his relationship with the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, addressing lingering questions surrounding the circumstances that led to the artist’s tragic death.
In a recent video shared on YouTube on Monday, August 19, Naira Marley expressed his willingness to finally share his version of events after months of public criticism. His comments come nearly a year after Mohbad’s death in September 2023, which triggered widespread outrage, street protests, and candlelight vigils across Nigeria.
According to the Marlian Music boss, Mohbad was allegedly introduced to a dangerous substance known as “Ice” by some of his close friends. Naira Marley claimed that he advised the young artist to stop using it.
“Mohbad apologised to me for his behaviour. He said he was using hard substances because of stress,” Marley stated in the video.
The singer’s death, which sparked a nationwide demand for justice, placed a spotlight on his rocky ties with Marlian Music. Although a Lagos State coroner later cleared Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, of any direct involvement in the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s passing, public suspicion has persisted.
Despite the official findings, many Nigerians believe vital aspects of the story remain unresolved.
This continued public interest is part of what has fueled widespread reactions to Marley’s recent statement.
While the music executive reiterated that he had tried to guide Mohbad away from destructive habits, his revelations have done little to sway skeptics who argue that questions about the environment surrounding the late artist’s mental health and career struggles remain unanswered.
